Malé

Made up of over a thousand coral islands off the southwest coast of India, the Maldives looks like an unlatched strand of pearls strewn along the equator. The embodiment of paradise, it’s every bit as beautiful as it looks from the air.

1/6Malé is the capital city of the breathtaking Maldives Islands and the gateway to luxury resorts beyond

2/6Surrounded by turquoise waters and prized for its brightly painted buildings, Malé is a colourful island city

3/6Featuring a striking golden dome, the Islamic Centre is one of Malé’s most attractive landmarks and a symbol of the city

4/6Malé’s pink, white and blue Presidential Residence is a fine example of the city’s colourful architecture

5/6Pull on a snorkel and explore an underwater kingdom with a day trip to the Kuda Bandos reef from Malé

6/6Lounge on pristine white sand at the public beach on Hulhumalé, a paradisiacal reclaimed island just south of Malé

1/6

Malé is the capital city of the breathtaking Maldives Islands and the gateway to luxury resorts beyond

2/6

Surrounded by turquoise waters and prized for its brightly painted buildings, Malé is a colourful island city

3/6

Featuring a striking golden dome, the Islamic Centre is one of Malé’s most attractive landmarks and a symbol of the city

4/6

Malé’s pink, white and blue Presidential Residence is a fine example of the city’s colourful architecture

5/6

Pull on a snorkel and explore an underwater kingdom with a day trip to the Kuda Bandos reef from Malé

6/6

Lounge on pristine white sand at the public beach on Hulhumalé, a paradisiacal reclaimed island just south of Malé

Things to do

Things to do

We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.

Do

Dive Devana Kandu

This pristine reef is perfect for an easy drift dive or snorkelling excursion. You'll see plenty of stunning tropical reef fish, coral and maybe even a reef shark! The entire channel is a protected area, so it's great to see wildlife in it's natural habitat.

Location

Vavuu, Maldives

Eat

Aoili

A sleek, chic restaurant serving up-market, international fayre cooked to perfection. Try the Black Angus filet steak or a simple steamed fish washed down with a glass of wine (or two!)

A favourite with locals and tourists alike, this little eatery has established a steady stream of customers due to its delicious fayre and friendly service. Conveniently located near Sultan park and other tourist attractions, it might be a battle to get a table! Try to get a seat in the beautiful courtyard if you can.

Take a moment to understand the history and cultural importance of this beautiful monument.Dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 2004 tsunami, this important local landmark raises money and awareness for those still in need.

Location

Keane Island, North Central Province, Maldives

Shop

Male Local Market

Next to the thick slabs of bonito and huge prawns in the fish market are a collection of small stalls known only as the 'local market'. This unassuming little area has lots to buy in the way of souvenirs. Pick up all manner of beachy trinkets, sarongs and other curios, hand-made by local people.

Location

Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male, Maldives

See

Sultan's Park

Built over the remains of the Sultan's imperial palace, this is one of the rare green spaces in Male and a great place to escape from the burning heat. Make a wish at the Wish Tree and be sure to cross your fingers, before heading to the National Museum, which is on the park grounds.

Location

Chaandhanee Magu, Malé, Maldives

Drink

Hulhule Island Hotel Bar

Travel across a sparkling lagoon to get to this tropical island bar, a favourite amongst local expats for its brilliant cocktail menu. Treat yourself to a perfect view on the champagne deck with oysters and musical entertainment.

Eat

Sala Thai

Splash out on lavish thai cuisine at one of the best restaurants in the island. Eat sumptuous soups, curries and delicacies that have that delicate balance of thai flavours: sweet, sour, salty and spicy. Booking recommended.

Passengers departing the UK, and aged 12 to 15, are exempted from the UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) Tax, effective 1 March 2016. Passengers booking online can request an APD Tax refund by contacting the local reservations office or Global Contact Centres.

Booking of more than six passengers is currently not available online. Please contact your local reservations office.

Please note that for online bookings, infants under two will not occupy their own seat. To book an infant-occupied seat, or if your infant turns two during your trip, please contact your local reservations office.